The Ham radio category covers amateur radio technology, operating techniques and practical station building. Topics include HF, VHF and UHF communication, antennas, transceivers, tuners, digital modes, portable radio, SOTA/POTA operation, propagation, repeaters, SDR receivers, feed lines, grounding, station accessories and real-world radio performance. The articles are written for licensed radio amateurs, beginners preparing for the hobby and technical readers interested in long-distance radio communication.
The amateur radio hobby has evolved dramatically over the decades. While once it relied solely on physical hardware to establish communication across the globe, today’s hams can leverage mobile devices and apps to enhance their radio experience. Android smartphones, in particular, are widely embraced by amateur radio enthusiasts thanks to…
In the world of amateur radio, more and more enthusiasts are experimenting with so-called QRP operation, which involves communication using low-power transceivers operating at only 5-10 watts. Surprisingly, these power levels are often lower than an average LED lamp, yet it is possible to make contacts worldwide. What is QRP…
Amateur radio activities—be it reaching distant stations, contesting, or experimenting—rely heavily on a clean and interference-free radio spectrum. However, in today’s digitally saturated world, one of the biggest challenges ham radio operators face is dealing with an increasing number of man-made electromagnetic interference sources, especially in the high-frequency (HF) bands….
For many people, space is a distant and mysterious realm — something to observe through telescopes or follow in the news. But few realize that it’s entirely possible to listen in on space signals from your own home using affordable equipment and some curiosity. Satellite communication is no longer just…
Amateur radio has always been a technical playground. Long before the internet made global communication ordinary, radio amateurs were already sending voice, Morse code, images, telemetry and text across continents using nothing more than radios, antennas, propagation knowledge and experimentation. Today, one of the most interesting parts of the hobby…
In spring 2025, Yaesu introduced its latest SDR transceivers, the FTX-1F and FTX-1 Optima, which represent a new generation of modern, versatile, and modular handheld and base station-class radios. With these models, the company targets portable (SOTA, POTA), QRP, and high-performance home operators alike. The development focused on innovations such…